Missouri

Missouri AG to investigate Christian boarding schools

Published

2 years ago

May 13, 2024

Missouri AG to investigate Christian boarding schools

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Advocates for victims of abuse at Missouri boarding schools on Monday urged the state’s attorney general to launch an investigation, work with local prosecutors and take other steps aimed at stemming the tide of abuse.

Three Christian boarding schools in southern Missouri have shut down since 2020 amid wide-ranging abuse allegations levied by current and former students. Several people affiliated with those schools are facing criminal charges. Advocates who worry that more abuse is going unpunished gathered Monday outside Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s St. Louis office to demand action.

“This is a structural problem,” said David Clohessy, a longtime advocate for abused children and former leader of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. “These are facilities that are remote, independent, private, sometimes for-profit, largely under the radar with little or no scrutiny, state oversight, monitoring or supervision. It’s a recipe for disaster.”

A spokeswoman for Bailey said in an email that the attorney general’s office does not have jurisdiction to prosecute criminal cases, except when appointed as special prosecutor by the governor or a court.

“As a former prosecutor, Attorney General Bailey takes crime very seriously,” spokeswoman Madeline Sieren said, adding that Bailey “has taken substantive action to combat human trafficking where the law allows.”

Amanda Householder, now 33, is among the former students who claimed she was abused. Her story was different than most, though: Her parents, Boyd and Stephanie Householder, owned Circle of Hope Girls Ranch in remote southern Missouri until it closed in 2020 after investigators removed about two dozen girls.

Boyd and Stephanie Householder are scheduled to go to trial in November on a combined 100 charges accusing them of abusing girls at Circle of Hope. Boyd Householder, 74, was charged with 22 counts of having sexual contact, including sexual intercourse, with one girl who was younger than 17 at the time.

Sieren said the Attorney General’s office is handling prosecution of the Householders — proof that Bailey and the office are taking the issue seriously, she said. Three prosecutors are working on the case, she said.

Also, 16 former residents said the Householders frequently restrained them with handcuffs, whipped them with belts, taped their mouths shut and struck or punched them for minor offenses such as singing.

Messages were left with attorneys for the Householders. Phones listed as those of the couple have been disconnected.

Amanda Householder sued her parents, accusing them of beating her and forcing her to impose harsh punishments on other girls at Circle of Hope. She announced Monday that the lawsuit was settled but declined to discuss details.

Amanda Householder said she is forming a new nonprofit aimed at helping those victimized at boarding and reform schools.

“We have to be the voices for kids that are going through what we went through years ago,” Householder said.

Other Missouri facilities operating as Christian boarding schools also have come under intense scrutiny in recent years.

Agape Boarding School in Stockton closed in 2023 after abuse allegations. In 2021, Agape’s longtime doctor was charged with child sex crimes and five employees were charged with low-level abuse counts.

In March, ABM Ministries’ Lighthouse Christian Academy in Piedmont shut down after kidnapping charges were filed against the husband-and-wife owners, who were accused of locking a student in a room. A teacher also was charged with abuse for allegedly injuring a 15-year-old boy while boxing.

For decades, Missouri had among the most lax boarding school regulations of any state in the nation. A 1982 state law gave religious boarding schools free rein and the state no way to monitor how kids were educated. Even the state Health Department had no oversight, including for schools that claimed to address mental health, behavioral and addiction issues.

A new law was adopted in 2021 after extensive reporting from The Kansas City Star found that several faith-based boarding schools, including Agape, relocated to Missouri after being investigated or shut down for abuse or neglect elsewhere.

The new law sets minimum health and safety requirements for boarding schools, which still don’t have to be licensed. It mandates background checks for employees; requires adequate food, clothing and medical care for students; and says parents must be allowed access to their children at any time without prior notice.

Several students have run away from southern Missouri boarding schools in recent years, often claiming abuse. Two 15-year-olds went missing Saturday at a boarding school near Ava but were found safe Monday at a nearby cabin. Messages were left with the sheriff. A school official said it isn’t yet clear what prompted the boys to leave.

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Missouri

Missouri State vs Arkansas State Xbox Bowl final score, highlights

Published

7 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Missouri State vs Arkansas State Xbox Bowl final score, highlights

FRISCO, TX — Missouri State football ended a historic season, in which it qualified for a bowl game in its first season as an FBS program, with a loss in the Xbox Bowl.

The Bears made a late push, but came up short in a 34-28 loss to Arkansas State on Thursday, Dec. 18, in the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

Thus ends one of the best years in Bears football history, their first in Conference USA, where they went 7-6 and had their first six wins over FBS programs since 1990. Mo State won five one-score games, while reaching feats that were once thought impossible for a once-disastrous program.

Thursday night marked the end of the six-year Petrino family era for Missouri State, as news broke earlier in the day that the school was finalizing the hire of SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods as its next head coach. Woods will replace Ryan Beard, who didn’t coach in the Xbox Bowl after accepting the head coaching position at Coastal Carolina. Woods’ hiring is expected to be announced on Dec. 19.

The Springfield News-Leader is bringing you live updates from Frisco, Texas. Follow for live updates.

Watch Missouri State vs Arkansas State on ESPN+

Missouri State vs Arkansas State in Xbox Bowl live score

This section will be updated throughout the game

Team	1	2	3	4	F
Arkansas State	14	10	7	3	34
Missouri State	7	0	0	21	28

Final — Arkansas State 34, Missouri State 28

Jacob Clark to Jmariyae Robinson for a touchdown

Clark to Robinson for a 16-yard score with 1:54 left. Bears have to get the onside kick.

Missouri State has first-and-goal at the 16

A 59-yard pass to Dash Luke has the Bears in position to strike at the two-minute warning. Bears at the ASU 16.

Arkansas State misses field goal

The Bears have a pulse again? MSU ball at its 20 with 3:20 left.

Missouri State muffs punt when it just got a pulse

Dash Luke muffs a punt with 3:50 left, and the Red Wolves recover. Dang.

Jacob Clark throws pretty TD to Dash Luke

A dime down the middle of the field to Dash Luke goes for a 47-yard touchdown. Luke has 110 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions. Clark is up to 23-31 for 274 yards and three scores. Two-point conversion ruled short.

Missouri State forces Arkansas State punt

Bears ball at their own 48.

Arkansas State recovers strip-sack

From the ASU 34, Clark is hit and he fumbles. Red Wolves ball with 9:01 left and this one is ovah.

Arkansas State knocks in field goal

A 32-yard field goal with 12:43 left extends the Red Wolves’ lead back up to three scores.

Jacob Clark hits Ramone Green for TD to open fourth quarter

A beautiful ball from Jacob Clark to Ramone Green for a 15-yard touchdown pass. Bears cut Arkansas State’s lead to 31-15 with 14:52 left in the game. The Bears go for two and get it. It’s suddenly a two-score game.

Missouri State in scoring position

The Bears are at the Red Wolves’ 15, facing third-and-11, to begin the fourth quarter.

Missouri State takes over at its own 10

This game is sloooooooow. Bears need to make this score respectable or something on this drive.

Devin Spencer runs for 25-yard touchdown

Arkansas State went 65 yards in less than two minutes. Devin Spencer runs in a touchdown from 25 yards out. Bears down 31-7 with 10:23 left in the third.

Arkansas State, Missouri State trade punts

Red Wolves ball at their own 35.

Arkansas State takes 24-7 lead into halftime

Jacob Clark is 13-16 for 115 yards and a touchdown, but he’s been sacked four times, and there have been a pair of untimely penalties. Red Wolves have eight tackles for a loss. Defense is struggling to get stops and has been giving up big plays, allowing four passes of 21 yards or more.

Missouri State, Arkansas State trade punts

Bears ball at their own 24 with 69 seconds left in the half.

Arkansas State back in the endzone

This game is in danger of getting away from the Bears. Jaylen Raynor hit Hunter Summers for a 39-yard diving completion. The Wolves score two plays later on a four-yard touchdown pass. It’s 24-7 Wolves with 6:14 left in the half.

Missouri State penalty, sack allowed kills another drive

Jacob Clark scrambled for 15, but it was called back because of a hold. He was sacked for the second time right after. Arkansas State returns the punt 35 yards to the MSU 44.

Arkansas State boots 54-yard field goal

The Bears kept the Wolves out of the endzone for the first time tonight, but Clune Van Andel boots a 54-yard field goal. Wolves up 17-7 with 12:40 left in the half.

Jacob Clark to Dash Luke for a Missouri State TD

Jacob Clark rolls out to his left, gets a corner to bite and throws a 39-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Dash Luke to get the Bears on the board. Arkansas State up 14-7 with 17 seconds left in the quarter.

Arkansas State strikes with deep touchdown

A deep ball from Jaylen Raynor to Corey Rucker is perfect, and he goes 71 yards to the house. The Bears’ defense isn’t looking good. It’s 14-0 with 2:51 left in the first quarter.

Missouri State moved the ball, but Arkansas State got to Jacob Clark again

The Bears got to the Red Wolves’ 36, but were flagged for holding. Their drive stalls after Jacob Clark was sacked. Wolves ball at their five.

Arkansas State quickly drives down the field for a score

The Bears struggled to tackle, and the Red Wolves took advantage. They go 55 yards in five plays to take an early 7-0 lead just four minutes in.

Missouri State goes three-and-out to start the game

The pass rush is getting after Jacob Clark with his makeshift offensive line. They’re immediately forced to punt. Wolves ball at their 45.

Missouri State vs Arkansas State pregame notes

8:03 p.m. — Missouri State will receive the opening kick.

7:56 p.m. — Nick Petrino’s offensive line is expected to be pretty thin tonight. Cash Hudson is playing, despite it looking like he’s portal-bound. But they could be down a couple more with Ebubedike Nnabugwu and others expected to be out.

7:34 p.m. — Here’s your next Missouri State football coach, which I was able to confirm. SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods will be announced as head coach on Friday morning after a Missouri State Board of Governors meeting.

7:29 p.m. — Hello, Springfield. Nice to talk to you again. What a moment for Missouri State as it participates in its first bowl game. The joy on the supporters’ faces has already made this a special night.

What time does Missouri State vs Arkansas State start?

Date: Thursday, Dec. 18
Time: 8 p.m. CT
Location: Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas

The Bears and Red Wolves are scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. CT on Thursday, Dec. 18, from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

What TV channel is Missouri State vs Arkansas State on today?

TV channel: ESPN2
Streaming: ESPN+

Missouri State will take on Arkansas State on ESPN2 with Jorge Sedano, Rodney McCloud and Victoria Arlen on the call. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+.

Watch Missouri State vs Arkansas State on ESPN+

Missouri State vs Arkansas State predictions in Xbox Bowl

Wyatt Wheeler: Missouri State over Arkansas State
Matt Hayes: Missouri State over Arkansas State
Jordan Mendoza: Missouri State over Arkansas State
Paul Meyerberg: Arkansas State over Missouri State
Erick Smith: Arkansas State over Missouri State
Eddie Timanus: Arkansas State over Missouri State
Blake Toppmeyer: Missouri State over Arkansas State

Missouri State vs Arkansas State odds, spread for Xbox Bowl

Odds courtesy of BetMGM on the morning of Monday, Dec. 15

Spread: Arkansas State -1 1/2
Over/under: 56 1/2
Moneyline: ARST -115, MOST -105

College Football Playoff schedule 2025-26

First round: Dec. 19 and 20
Quarterfinals: Dec. 31 and Jan. 2
Semifinals: Jan. 8 and 9
National championship: Jan. 19

Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Network and Topeka Capital-Journal. You can follow him on X at @WyattWheeler_, contact him at 417-371-6987 or email him at wwheeler@usatodayco.com

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Missouri

BetMGM bonus code CUSE: Extended $1500 TNF bonus in Missouri!

Published

19 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Press Room

BetMGM bonus code CUSE: Extended 00 TNF bonus in Missouri!

On Thursday, December 18, 2025, the momentum of BetMGM Sportsbook’s official launch in Missouri continues to build. As the legal sports betting era takes hold across the Show-Me State, new users can capitalize on BetMGM Missouri’s premier welcome promotion: the BetMGM bonus code CUSE unlocks a $1,500 First Bet Offer in MO, providing one of the most significant safety nets available in the national market.

This launch-specific offer represents a major deviation from the standard promotions typically found in established markets. By activating the BetMGM bonus code CUSE today, Missouri bettors secure insurance on their very first wager, allowing them to explore the platform’s extensive markets with peace of mind, as their initial bet will be refunded in bonus bets if it loses.

BetMGM Bonus Code CUSE Sets a High Bar for Missouri:

The BetMGM Bonus Code Missouri’s updated terms and conditions can be viewed here.Official BetMGM Bonus Code.

The timing of this rollout is perfect for local fans, as the St. Louis Blues continue their season and the NFL enters the critical Week 16 stretch. While some sportsbooks offer small, fixed-sum “bet and get” deals, the BetMGM Missouri structure is designed for a high-ceiling play. If your first bet up to $1,500 loses, BetMGM will refund your entire stake in bonus bets.

Key Deal Terms:

Bonus Code: CUSE
Offer (Missouri Only): $1,500 First Bet Offer (Stake refunded as bonus bets if you lose).
Value Differential: Offers a significantly higher ceiling for first-time users compared to standard fixed-bonus deals.
Launch Date: December 2025 (Live Now).

Thursday Night Football: Rams vs. Seahawks Matchup Details (NFL Week 16):

The biggest stage for Missouri bettors tonight is Thursday Night Football, featuring a pivotal NFC West clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.

Betting Odds:

Spread: Seahawks -1.5
Over/Under: 42.5
Moneyline: Rams +110 | Seahawks -120
All odds above subject to change.

Xbox Bowl: Missouri State vs. Arkansas State Matchup Details:

Adding to the excitement is the Xbox Bowl at the Ford Center at The Star. This game marks a historic milestone as the Missouri State Bears make their FBS bowl debut against the Arkansas State Red Wolves.

Betting Odds:

Spread: Arkansas State -1
Over/Under: 54.5
Moneyline: Missouri State -104 | Arkansas State -105
All odds above subject to change.

By using the BetMGM bonus code CUSE to wager on any of these markets—whether backing the Rams (+110) or taking the Bears (-104) in their bowl debut—your first bet is protected. If your pick hits, you keep the cash; if it falls short, your stake returns as bonus bets.

How to Activate the BetMGM Bonus Code CUSE:

$1500 BetMGM Bonus Code Instructions. — BetMGM Bonus Code unlocks the sports betting bonus when you follow these simple steps.BetMGM Missouri.

Sign Up: Click through to the BetMGM app or site and register your new account in Missouri.
Enter Code: Ensure the BetMGM bonus code CUSE is entered in the designated field during registration.
Deposit: Fund your account with a minimum deposit of $10.
Place Your First Bet: Wager on any market, such as Rams vs. Seahawks or the Xbox Bowl.
Get Your Bonus: If your first bet loses, BetMGM will refund your stake (up to $1,500) in bonus bets!

Conclusion: BetMGM Missouri Delivers a Premier Launch Offer!

The arrival of BetMGM in Missouri brings a top-tier betting experience to the state. By engaging the BetMGM bonus code CUSE during this launch week, sports fans can lock in a massive $1,500 safety net, ensuring the strongest possible start to the legal betting era in Missouri.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. See BetMGM.com for Terms. 21+ only. MO Only. New Customer Offer (If applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. Please gamble responsibly. Minimum $10 deposit required. Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new player offer. Add’l terms.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Dec. 17, 2025

Published

1 day ago

December 18, 2025

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 17, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

25-33-53-62-66, Powerball: 17, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

Midday: 7-2-7

Midday Wild: 0

Evening: 8-0-0

Evening Wild: 6

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

Midday: 7-6-5-1

Midday Wild: 2

Evening: 0-1-5-9

Evening Wild: 4

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

03-32-33-36-59, Cash Ball: 03

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

Early Bird: 03

Morning: 08

Matinee: 15

Prime Time: 01

Night Owl: 09

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

06-07-09-13-15

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

24-43-65-66-68, Powerball: 03

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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